The annual report for the Turlock Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Department proved some drastic comparisons from the 2014 to 2015 statistical data, but also a year that Mark Crivelli, recreation senior supervisor, says they are happy with.
The first notable jump in participants was in the youth activities category due to new classes, including “Cheernastics” and “Super Hero Training.”
“The new classes were definitely a contributing factor to the increase in numbers and the kids seemed to really enjoy it,” said Crivelli.
A decrease in numbers fell in the youth activities category as well, with recreation swim from 16,121 in 2014 to 15,312 in 2015 and swim lessons from 1,430 in 2014 to 1,128 in 2015. This was all due to Turlock Unified School District adding school days that did not allow for the pools to be in use for the last recreational swim session.
“It was advertised and parents knew ahead of time,” said Crivelli. “It actually helped the other classes fill up sooner, if anything.”
Seven youth tournaments were canceled between Pedretti Park and the Sports Complex, some by the directors and some due to field issues at the Sports Complex.
“There was a fungus that had killed portions of the grass and we had to shut the field down to address the issue and provide maintenance and the right materials to revitalize it and get the growth back,” said Crivelli. “It worked; it’s been good this year.”
Adult programs, including softball, volleyball and classes saw no change in data, but there was a noticeable increase in revenue for the park and building rentals.
From 2014 to 2015 the revenue increased by almost $17,000, which surprisingly was not due to a fee increase, just more so due to the weather.
Crivelli said that they had an abundance of park rentals and there were quite a few facility rentals as well.
“It was just overall more usage,” he said. “There was just a lot more people renting during the winter because it was so nice; and of course, there was no rain cancellations.”
Overall, Crivelli said that it was a busy year and they were happy with the report.
“It’s good to be busy, especially for a Parks and Rec department, that means people are renting and signing up for classes,” he said. “That’s something we’re happy with.”
